My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything

Chapter 288: Stability

Solomon walked with a confident stride as he crossed the grand hall of Vladimir's estate. His boot echoed off the cold marble floors with each step he took.

Previously, he couldn't see it but now that he knew the truth, it was unmistakable. The building held a regal air of opulence with open displays of wealth but he could see now that it was a sham. A show put on to turn away attention.

He followed his escort who led him through the winding hallways and into the estate's inner sanctum, the outdoor garden.

Though it was located at the center of Vladimir's estate, the garden was an oasis of eerie calm, with an odd serenity that was unsettling in its beauty. The moonlight filtered down through the open ceiling, casting silver beams over the carefully manicured plants.

Vladimir, as expected, was tending to his garden, methodically pruning a delicate, black orchid. His tall, muscular frame seemed almost out of place in the peaceful garden, but his focus on the task at hand was intense.

Without looking up from his work, Vladimir spoke, his deep voice carrying across the garden, "What brings you here at such an… ungodly hour, Solomon? I thought you had enough on your plate in Southside."

Solomon ignored the barb, stepping forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I came to discuss business, Vladimir. I'm sure it would please you to know that the situation in Southside has presented an… opportunity."

Vladimir snipped another leaf, carefully placing the clippers down before turning to face Solomon. His piercing red eyes were calculating, assessing the situation. "Ah, yes, Southside. Your precious Count Ivo finally won the little scuffle they had there, didn't he?" His tone was mocking, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "How's that working out for him?"

Solomon's jaw tightened, though he maintained his composure. "That's precisely why I'm here. I think now is the perfect time for you to strike, Vlad. A time for you to rise from the ashes of your failures and be reborn anew. What do you say?"

He could feel the blood oath tighten on his soul but he stood confidently, displaying no fear. While it was true that he had made an oath to stop Vladimir from interfering, it was also true that Ivo made an oath to find Ezra.

If they both ignored their parts of the oath, it cancels each other out. If Ivo is not allowed to survive the attack, Solomon would come out of this unscathed.

Vladimir chuckled at his words, raising an eyebrow. "The perfect time to strike? And why would I bother with Southside? Westside suits me just fine."

"Westside offers you nothing." Solomon countered, his voice sharp. "It's bled dry of what you need. The only wealth, the only true power left, is in Southside. We both know that."

"Ah, Solomon, ever the ambitious one." Vladimir snorted, shaking his head. "Southside, Westside, it's all the same to me. A mess of feuding vampires clawing for scraps. Why should I get my hands dirty?"

Solomon stepped closer, lowering his voice to a more dangerous tone. "Because with Ivo gone, Southside will be ripe for the taking. And I'm offering it to you, Vladimir. Kill him, and it's yours."

Vladimir's amusement faded slightly, though his eyes still gleamed with cold calculation. "And what do you get from this, Solomon? You don't strike me as the charitable type."

"I get stability." Solomon answered, his tone smooth, calculated. "With Ivo gone, there's no power struggle. No chaos. I'll have what I need, and you'll have control over Southside without anyone left to challenge you. It's a win-win."

Vladimir remained silent for a moment, considering Solomon's proposal. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he dismissed it. "I'm not interested. I've got enough problems of my own to deal with. Find another idiot to fight your battles for you. I hear the Necromancer is still roaming the streets.

How about him?"

Solomon's patience thinned, and his lips curled into a sneer. "You're a fool, Vladimir. You know as well as I do that if you don't take Southside, you'll be left with nothing when the dust settles. You'll end the war in the same state you started it. And we both know you can't afford that."

Vladimir's gaze turned icy, his demeanor darkening. "I can't afford it? What exactly are you implying?"

Solomon leaned in, his voice dripping with venom. "We both know your financial situation, Vladimir. You're weak. Your investments were a failure, and now you're hanging on by a thread. You're living off the last remnants of your wealth and you can't make any overt moves that point to it but it's only a matter of time before your subjects figure it out."

Vladimir's fists clenched at his sides, but he didn't respond immediately.

Solomon pressed on, his voice low and dangerous. "Imagine what would happen if that secret got out. Your subjects would tear you apart, fighting over whatever scraps of power they could grab. Your entire domain would crumble, and you'd be left with nothing."

Vladimir's cold mask slipped for a moment, revealing the fury simmering beneath the surface. "You dare threaten me in my own estate?" he growled.

"I'm not threatening you." Solomon said smoothly. "I'm offering you a way out. A chance to secure your power. Kill Ivo, take Southside, and your financial troubles will be over. Or," he paused, his voice turning even colder, "I can leave, and your secret won't stay hidden for long."

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For a long moment, the two vampires stared at each other. Solomon could see in Vladimir's eyes as he weighed the risks of attacking him. But they both know it wasn't a certainty that he could stop Solomon from escaping.

Vladimir gritted his teeth as he stared Solomon down. He had been careful to hide his financial situation, keeping up appearances of strength and wealth, but Solomon was right. If his subjects found out the truth, it would be chaos. He couldn't afford that.

Taking over Southside would mean replenishing his wealth but it would also mean furthering Solomon's agenda which he still didn't know about. Still, Solomon had him cornered. The threat of exposure hung over him like a guillotine.

Finally, Vladimir let out a slow breath, his eyes narrowing. "Fine," he said, his voice cold and hard. "I'll take care of Ivo. But mark my words, Solomon. If you double-cross me, if you so much as breathe a word of this to anyone, I'll kill you myself."

Solomon smiled, pleased with his victory. "Don't worry, Vladimir. I'll hold up my end of the bargain. Southside is yours."

Without another word, Solomon turned and strode out of the garden, leaving Vladimir standing among the flowers, his fists still clenched in anger.

Vladimir watched him go, his mind churning. He had no choice now. Solomon had forced his hand. He would kill Ivo, take Southside, and secure his power once and for all.

But as he stood in the moonlit garden, a dark thought crept into his mind.

When this was all over, when he had secured Southside and his power, he would make sure Solomon paid for this.

One way or another.